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'People Person' (Hard Lessons)
Posted to Shop Management Forum on 2/3/2016 27 Replies

Speaking with auto shop owners, I often hear, "I'm not a people person." I believe the things we do effect how others react to us. For instance, those who think others are out to get them will find a lot more negative interactions. Alternatively, those who feel others are just people like themselves tend to have less negative interactions.

At a young age people begin to form their views of the world. If the environment appears hostile, they tend to view people one way. Others see people as friends or at least pleasant to be around. I feel career choice also factors in. People who depend directly on the approval of others, like salespeople, tend to develop better people skills. Others working in technical fields, lack the direct interactions and may concentrate more on other skills.

This was a problem for me and with great effort I have gotten much better. I share a few of the things here that have helped me and hope other may add to the list.

1.) Discipline reduces chaos and lack of chaos makes it much easier to deal with the normal problems of life.

2.) An organized environment prevents many small annoyances that put people on edge and cause them over react.

3.) Time off and enjoyable recreation is as important to success as working hard. Without down-time, small things tend to become big things.

4.) Because something is thought does NOT mean it needs to be verbalized. One of the greatest abilities in getting along is to control speech.

5.) Assuming others do not understand, rather than they are trying to be annoying, keeps things in perspective.

6.) Remember people are concerned with their own situations. Most do not intend to annoy, instead they are simply not considering others.

7.) Showing a bit of respect to others will make almost everyone far easier to get along with.

8.) Courtesy is the lubricant that keep society moving smoothly. Several good books exist on how to be more courteous and are well worth reading.

9.) First impressions are important. A smile and a friendly greeting can help diffuse many unpleasant situations.

10.) When a person is upset, listen and let them explain their side. When in an emotional state, logic will not convince them.

11.) Forget the phrase "You're wrong." Instead try, I'm not sure I understand, can you explain that? Many times we may find they are not wrong at all.

12.) Consider the weight of the situation. Finding who's wrong is often less important than solving the problem. For instance, is this really a hill you are willing to die to take :)

Louis from Louisiana

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